12 Steps of Recovery from the Lie of Whiteness

Step 1

Admitted we are powerless over our white systemic conditioning and our racist thoughts and actions that have perpetuated centuries of oppression over people with color.

Step 2

Came to believe that knowledge and understanding can restore our part in creating a new social order of diversity and inclusion.

Step 3

Made a decision to recognize there is a universal oneness that we are all part of that creates the interconnected web of life; all races, colors, genders, and cultures.

Step 4

Made a searching and moral inventory of ourselves exploring our fears, resentments, and harms done to people of color.

Step 5

Admitted to ourselves and another human being the mistakes, wrongs and harms that resulted from our actions.

Step 6

We are ready to deconstruct previous ways of knowing and thinking developed from a lifetime of systemic white conditioning.

Step 7

We humbly explore new ways of understanding by seeking out opportunities to connect with people of color.

Step 8

We are ready to make a list of the persons we harmed individually or collectively and are willing to hold ourselves accountability.

Step 9

Because “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, we are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality…whatever affects one directly, affects us all indirectly.” It is our responsibility to discover what is ours to do to effect justice.

Step 10

We continue on a daily basis to be mindful of our thoughts, attitudes and actions. Whenever we find judgmental thoughts based in prejudice, bias or separation we admit it and become willing to extend compassion and restoration to all beings.

Step 11

We are ready to engage in daily self-reflection and explore spiritual practices that allow us to lean into the Mystery to strengthen our inner foundation of courage, humility, forgiveness and honesty.

Step 12

We commit to sharing this message with others in order to build a supportive recovery community for those seeking recovery from white conditioning and to become an ally to people of color.